The Spellbinding Courtship: Calatini Tales Book 0.5

by Katherine Dotterer

  A glow warming her chest, Selena tilted her head. She'd not played cards since before her parents had died. But where could they play? She glanced about the cramped room. "Ten card. There's no table, so we must use the bed."

  Aragon swallowed but waved her toward the bed. "Not entirely proper, but we'll manage."

  She almost chuckled as she curled by the head of the bed and Aragon settled at the foot. At least with cards he couldn't sit across the room. But before cards, they must discuss the black witch and her uncle. "How goes the hunt for the black witch?"

  Aragon grimaced as he shuffled and dealt. "Slower than I'd prefer, but Devon's people have discovered some leads after following your uncle. They also mentioned Midor is hunting you, but only at nearby taverns and shops."

  Selena sighed and fanned her ten cards before her face. "Uncle Adan called me sanctimonious, so I doubt he'll check a brothel. But his hunt led Madam Lorelei to discover my identity."

  Aragon glanced at her as he set up the draw and discard piles. "Shall she betray us?"

  Selena smiled while sorting her cards. "No, you're paying her enough not to." When Aragon merely grunted, she flashed a coy smile. If she didn't distract him, he'd worry the entire evening. And she was safe enough for now. "I'm so glad you brought cards. I've not played in ages, but back home my parents and I played ten card most evenings. 'Twas their favorite."

  Aragon relaxed and grinned at her over his cards. "Should I expect defeat?"

  She tilted her head. Good, he'd allowed her to distract him. "Maybe." Mother had often won back home, but she'd taught Selena well.

  Aragon leaned toward her as they began playing. "What else did you and your parents do in the evenings?"

  Selena took her turn, her voice softening when she replied, "If not playing cards, Father would read aloud, usually Garoile, while I sketched and Mother embroidered. Although sometimes she made me embroider too. I much preferred sketching."

  Aragon chuckled as he took his turn. "Sounds delightful. Did your uncle ever join you?"

  She grimaced. "Rarely, thank the Goddess. When he did, he spent most of the evening glowering at Father and leering at Mother." She shook her head as she drew a card then discarded one. "My parents ignored that because Father had raised him and felt guilty for falling in love with the girl Uncle Adan had wanted to court."

  Aragon stilled and frowned at her. "If your father was older, how could your uncle sell the family estate?"

  Selena sighed with a faint shrug. Although daughters typically inherited when their parents had no sons, she hadn't thanks to an ancient scandal. "Because the Midor who acquired the estate entailed it after his wife left him for his housekeeper, and Father could never persuade Uncle Adan to break the entail. But after Father died, there weren't male heirs, so Uncle Adan could sell."

  His eyes dark, Aragon reached across the card piles to touch her hand. "How heartrending."

  Her chest warmed at his tenderness. He was so wonderful. "But if he hadn't, I'd never have come to Ormas and met you." She dimpled. "Now, are we going to talk or play cards?"

  They returned to their game, and both managed perfect hands after two more turns, but his cards outranked hers. They began another and continued playing until he reached a hundred points to win the game, with her close behind at ninety-two. Then he gave her the cards with a warm smile and left.

  Selena grinned and shuffled the cards to play patience. Despite sitting on the bed, he'd been more relaxed today and had even touched her. Perhaps he did feel more than kindness. She simply must have startled him with her almost kiss before.

  * * *

  The following morning, Selena froze mid-sketch at an unexpected knock. Aragon had only visited after dinner, and he'd have spoken. So who was it? "Yes?"

  Lilly, Madam Lorelei's daughter, replied through the door, "There's a gentleman asking for you, Lena."

  Spots flashed before Selena's eyes. Had her uncle or his black witch found her? Oh, Goddess. She gripped the gold gargoyle nestled between her breasts. "Did he ask for me by name? What does he look like?"

  Lilly chuckled. "No, he asked for Treyvan's lady. He's real handsome for an older gent. Dark hair sprinkled with gray, brown eyes, and strong features."

  Selena relaxed. Her visitor must be someone Aragon trusted, so she'd be safe enough. She sidled from her room and slipped down the back stairs to avoid being seen then halted when she joined her mystery visitor. He resembled Aragon in several decades—his father, no doubt. Gritting a smile, she shut the door behind her. "Good morning, your grace."

  The Duke of Childes returned her curtsy with a deft bow. "Good morning, Miss... I'm afraid I don't know your name."

  She swallowed and scrutinized his dark eyes for disdain but found none, only inquiry. Surprising. She sighed. "Miss Selena Midor, formerly from Upper Ashville in Linwick."

  The duke bowed again. "Greetings, Miss Midor."

  Selena eyed him. A wealthy duke visiting a common brothel was even more peculiar than his heir visiting. "Why are you here, your grace? This brothel can't be your style."

  The duke flashed a crooked grin. "True, but when my son mentioned you, I had to meet you. Though it took me a few days since Aragon didn't say which brothel." He chuckled and gestured toward the sofa along the wall. "Shall we sit?"

  Her stomach quivering, she sat beside him but remained rigid. He had to meet her? Why? Because he assumed she'd be easy to seduce? Or because he wanted to protect his son?

  The duke studied her. "Aragon said you're hiding from your uncle and his black witch. Why a brothel? It seems no more your style than mine."

  Selena softened at his avuncular smile. Perhaps he just wanted to verify she was worthy of his son's aid. "'Tis not, but a brothel was ideal for shedding my virginity before my uncle's black witch could use it to power his spells."

  The duke's brows flew upward. "Aragon didn't mention that."

  She almost winced. Probably to avoid tarnishing his parents' opinion of her. Although how could she be anything but tarnished when she was hiding in a brothel? "Fortunately, your son found me before I managed my desperate plan."

  The duke shook his grizzled head but only asked, "So, Miss Midor, formerly from Upper Ashville in Linwick, what prompted you to move to Ormas?"

  A pang darted through Selena at the home she'd never see again. "My uncle sold the family estate after my parents died last year."

  The duke rubbed his chin. "Your uncle is your only family?"

  She sighed and nodded as her throat clenched. Unfortunately.

  The duke arched a brow. "What are your plans once my son handles the black witch, Miss Midor?"

  Selena tensed and held his gaze. "I'll marry if I find love with a gentleman who loves me in return." A husband was the only way to permanently escape Uncle Adan. Though she'd considered becoming a governess or companion when she'd first fled, her uncle would remain her closest male relative, so she'd still be vulnerable to his schemes. But even to escape Uncle Adan, she'd never marry a gentleman she didn't love.

  The duke coughed. "So no plans to return to the brothel?"

  She almost shuddered. If only her sojourn was already over. "Goddess, no."

  The duke slanted her a sidelong glance. "Has my son been treating you with respect despite the irregular situation?"

  A blush heated Selena's cheeks. "He's been an utter gentleman." Except for that enthralling kiss when they'd met. When would he kiss her like that again? Tingling warmth suffused her.

  The duke eyed her with a wry smile. "I see." As she attempted to reply, he rose. "I must go. 'Twas a pleasure. You're as intriguing as I hoped."

  She blushed again and swept a curtsy. What did he mean by that?

  The duke bowed in return then strode from the room.

  Selena returned upstairs, her mind whirling. What an extraordinary encounter. She must tell Aragon about it when he next visited. Hopefully, 'twould be soon.

  Chapter 10

  Despite constantly thinking abo
ut Selena, Aragon forced himself to wait a day before returning to the brothel. Visiting every other evening was often enough to avoid rousing suspicion at the brothel, and he didn't dare visit more, even though he missed her.

  He couldn't risk tarnishing his parents' opinion of Selena until Mother agreed to present her. Although Father, and probably Mother, knew about Selena, continually abandoning his duties at court to visit her might alarm them.

  Besides, he must keep his relationship with Selena platonic, no matter how he hungered to kiss her again. She deserved the chance to meet other gentlemen before he courted her. And feigning mere friendship was harder every time he saw her.

  Even though he must restrain himself, Aragon couldn't help his grin as he pounded on Selena's door with a book for her under his arm. After enduring all the grasping flirts at court, she was as delightful as a purring angelcat. He grinned harder when her door flew open. She was eager to see him too. Although that mightn't last once she met other gentlemen.

  Selena dimpled while locking the door behind him. "I'd an unexpected visitor yesterday."

  His chest clenched as he sat in the chair across the room. She'd not be so blithe if it had been Midor or the black witch. "Who was it?"

  Selena tilted her head and curled on the bed. "Your father."

  Aragon stiffened. He'd never told Father where to find her. Father must have come to scrutinize the lady distracting his eldest son. But what had he thought? And why hadn't he mentioned his visit afterward? "How did the visit go?"

  A blush darkened Selena's freckled cheeks. "Well, I think. He called me intriguing."

  Aragon relaxed with a smile. Good, then Father would influence Mother to feel the same. "Father has always admired strong ladies. He'd not have wed Mother otherwise."

  Selena's voice softened, "He seems a loving father."

  Aragon grinned, warmth filling him. "He is. He always nurtures our independence but supports us when we need it. And he tempers Mother's plans." When Selena sighed and studied her hands, he strode across the room to give her the book he'd brought. "Speaking of fathers, this is for you."

  Selena brightened as she opened the book. "Garoile's Summer Plays! Mother and I always giggled when Father read these. He performed voices for the comedies." She thrust the book toward him. "Could you read for me? 'Twould be like being home again. Please?"

  Aragon coughed as he accepted the book. He usually allowed Hawke to read aloud at home—his youngest brother far surpassed him after performing Wren's plays for years. "If you like, although I can't promise voices."

  Selena dimpled at him. "Fair enough. How about you read the first scene, and I'll read the second? Then I can show you for next time."

  He swallowed. "I'd like that." He settled back in his chair across the room then began to read. His reading was simple at first, but emboldened by her glowing face, he soon lowered or lightened his voice depending on the character. Not as dramatic as Hawke, but still decent.

  When he finished the first scene, Selena erupted into applause. "You were marvelous. I needn't show you how to perform voices, but I'd love to read anyway."

  Aragon handed her the book, and she began the second scene. She was even more vivacious than when she'd watched him. Tingling warmth flooded him. Goddess, she was spellbinding. Somehow he kept his expression friendly and didn't kiss her.

  They spent the next several hours reading Garoile aloud, but eventually, he made himself return the book to her and said, "I must go. Stay safe, and contact me on the communication mirror if anything goes wrong. Unfortunately, Devon's people haven't updated me on the black witch or your uncle the past few days. If I don't hear anything soon, I'll contact them."

  Selena sighed as she walked him to her door. "Madam Lorelei hasn't mentioned any further rumors about my uncle, so hopefully, he and the black witch still don't know I'm here." She dimpled and squeezed his arm. "I'll see you in a day or two."

  Aragon swayed toward Selena. If only he could kiss her goodbye. But a kiss would be more than friendly, and courting her must wait until after she met other gentlemen. So he jerked a nod then left the brothel.

  * * *

  At breakfast the following morning, Aragon kept waiting for his parents to mention Selena now that Father had met her. But Father merely sipped his kahve as Mother spent most of breakfast asking Hawke about his recent absences.

  Aragon hid a frown while devouring his bacon. Why weren't his parents asking him about Selena? From what she'd said about their meeting, he'd assumed Father had liked her, but what if he didn't, and Mother wouldn't present her? Then Selena couldn't permanently escape her uncle, and Aragon couldn't court her without exploiting her inexperience.

  Once Hawke finished eating and strode out, Mother turned to Aragon and drawled, "I've decided to cancel our dinner with the Thorpes later this week."

  Aragon stilled, his kahve halfway to his mouth. The Thorpes had three eligible daughters, so Mother canceling dinner was unexpected, although welcome. He glanced at Father, whose mouth was twitching, so her decision must be because of Selena. "I see."

  Mother beamed at him. "I'll be busy planning with Lady Keyes."

  Planning Selena's presentation, no doubt. His shoulders tense, Aragon gulped his bitter kahve to prepare himself for his parents' questions.

  Yet Mother merely chuckled and rose. "Presenting your penniless country lady shall be a lark. Hopefully, you handle that black witch soon." She grinned then swept from the family dining room.

  Aragon gaped after her. She wasn't going to ask him about Selena? She adored managing her sons' lives, and she was determined to see him wed, so her lack of curiosity was suspicious. What exactly was she plotting?

  Father leaned back in his seat and arched a brow. "How's the hunt for the black witch going?"

  Aragon eyed Father and devoured the rest of his eggs. Although not managing like Mother, shouldn't Father ask about more than the black witch? Perhaps he'd ask about Selena after discussing the black witch threatening her. "Not fast enough."

  Father inclined his head. "Maybe you should request magic marshals from Lord Islaye." The count served on the council as the Minister of Magic, so he oversaw the magic marshals who policed the witches in Calatini.

  Aragon sighed and drained his kahve. Except royal agents were more discreet. "I'd rather wait to involve them until after Devon's people find the black witch. Then I needn't reveal much about Selena."

  Father nodded as he rose. "You don't want rumors reaching the black witch or her uncle." He flashed a crooked grin and clapped Aragon's shoulder. "After meeting her, I understand your determination to rescue her. She's spirited and forthright. Pretty, too."

  Aragon relaxed as Father strode from the family dining room. Selena must have impressed Father enough that he'd no further questions about her. Perhaps that explained Mother's lack of curiosity as well. Thank the Goddess his parents were committed to helping Selena too. Now everything was set for her presentation once the black witch was captured.

  He grinned. And his parents' approval meant he could visit Selena every evening without alarming them. Surely if he took care, his relationship with Selena would remain platonic no matter how often he visited, so he could risk visiting her tonight. Although before he did, he must find another gift to amuse her during her confinement at the brothel. Giving her gifts wasn't entirely proper, but her delight made them impossible to resist.

  * * *

  After sharing dinner with his parents and Hawke, Aragon galloped to Mermaid Street then bounded upstairs to Selena's room. He couldn't wait to tell her about his parents' approval. That should relieve her about her upcoming presentation. As she locked the door behind him, he grinned and tucked the book for her beneath his arm. "My parents and I discussed you at breakfast this morning."

  Selena whirled to face him. "Oh?"

  He winked at her. "Yes, and you truly impressed Father during his visit. He told Mother all about you, so she's eager to begin your presentation. She adores man
aging the affairs of others."

  Selena swallowed and smoothed her hair. "How exciting."

  Aragon took her hand and squeezed it. "You'll enjoy it. Mother shall ensure you meet every eligible gentleman at court." His stomach hardened. "With her patronage, many will pursue you." Which he must allow so Selena could discover love and not just gratitude.

  Selena lowered her eyes and slipped her hand free. "I see. So because of your mother, court gentlemen shall desire a penniless country miss much older than most unmarried ladies? And one whose disreputable uncle hired a black witch to destroy her?"

  His heart fluttered, and he dropped her book to grasp her shoulders. "Any gentleman of sense would." When she stared up at him and licked her lips, he jerked back as if scalded by a furious firelizard. He'd kiss her if they continued touching. To distract them from his almost kiss, he retrieved the book he'd dropped and offered it to her. "Here."

  Selena opened the book and gasped. "The Greatest Art in Calatini... Goddess, the color plates are exquisite. 'Tis the most beautiful book I've ever seen."

  Aragon smiled, warmth suffusing his chest. "Hopefully, it shall amuse you during your sojourn here. Hiding in this cramped room must be dull."

  Selena caressed the book's leather cover. "Your lovely gifts have made it bearable." She dimpled at him. "Thank you, Aragon."

  His breath quickened at her bright smile, but he forced himself to stride to his usual chair rather than drawing her into his arms. "'Tis nothing. What else do you miss living here?"

  Selena plopped on the crimson bed. "The outdoors, companionship, and dessert."

  Aragon coughed to disguise his laugh. Dessert seemed trivial compared to the other two. "Dessert?"

  Selena sighed, her gaze hazy. "They only serve sweets at dinner, which I rarely risk." She sighed again. "I could devour a vat of karamel nut sweetice. Not that they'd serve such a luxury here."